But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel.

 This all happened three days ago…

Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. 

Luke 24:20-21, 27, 31

Following Jesus’ death, two of His followers were walking down a road talking about what had taken place three days earlier. They had hoped Jesus would have redeemed Israel. What they were looking for, their interpretation of what Jesus had promised, was not what Jesus had actually promised. They were so consumed with grief and disappointment, they didn’t even recognize their resurrected Lord when He approached them. They didn’t recognize Him because the One in whom they had put all their hope had actually far exceeded their expectations!

When our expectations don’t match our reality, disappointment and discouragement thrive. When we view every situation through our “preconceived ideas goggles,” when we believe things should only be a certain way, we will almost always draw the wrong conclusions. And like those followers on the road to Emmaus, our preconceived ideas can also keep us from recognizing who Jesus really is! Jesus didn’t just come to rescue Israel. He came for so much more than that! He came to redeem us all and give us life!!

What have you been hoping God would do? Jesus will reveal Himself a little at a time and give you only what you need in that moment. (When you can only handle baby steps, He won’t throw you into a marathon.) But He will give you opportunities to trust Him, and He will remind you that He keeps His promises. Disappointment and discouragement happen most when you are focused on your own desires, rather than God’s. If you are struggling to recognize Jesus, perhaps you need a better perspective. A change of perspective won’t change the outcome, but it will change what you see! Rather than focusing on your disappointments, focus on the Blessing that is right in front of you! Ask Him to open your eyes through the Scriptures. He will far exceed your expectations, and you will truly see! You are loved!